Washington County Salvation Army launches food drive throughout May

Throughout the month of May, local businesses and organizations are teaming up to combat hunger in Washington County.

The Salvation Army’s Washington County HOPE Center is launching its “Hope in Action” food drive, collecting food to help those in need. From Wednesday, May 1, until Friday, May 31, sites around the area will be accepting donations, which will be distributed from the Washington County HOPE Center pantry and by The Salvation Army’s Washington County Mobile Outreach Ministry.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2023 Household Food Security Report, one in five children live in poverty — more than double the number in 2021.

To address the growing risk of food insecurity, the drive aims to collect 10,000 pounds of food and provide more than 8,350 meals.

"The Washington County HOPE Center Spring Food Drive addresses the rising occurrence of food insecurity in our neighborhoods,” Adam Harvey, program director at Washington County HOPE Center, said. “This initiative, along with our program partners, strives to combat the impact of rapid inflation throughout the county. It’s part of a larger investment of The Salvation Army’s Washington County HOPE Center’s growing food pantry.”

Designated collection sites will be placed throughout the county, including eight Les Schwab Tire Centers, three Royal Moore Auto Centers, three Walmart Neighborhood Markets and three Walmart Super Centers. Community members can also drop off goods at the Washington County HOPE Center.

Multiple Fred Meyer stores will also offer donation boxes, and the location on Cornell Road will collect donations for the Salvation Army during a Cinco de Mayo BBQ on Saturday, May 4.

To find out more information, call 503-640-4311. Monetary donations can be made at salarmy.us/hopeinaction .